Le Centre de vaccination AES is now part of the PRELEV Group.

Back to School: Why Check the Whole Family’s Vaccination Records?

Back to school means returning to routines, group activities, and closer contact between children. It’s also a good time to take a few minutes to check the whole family’s vaccination records.

Vaccination helps protect children, but also the adults around them. Checking vaccination status ensures that recommended vaccines are up to date and identifies doses that may need to be administered. (1)

Why use back-to-school time to check your vaccines?

Over the years, it’s not always easy to remember which vaccines were received or when the last doses were administered. Back to school is therefore the perfect opportunity to review the family’s vaccination status.

This check is particularly relevant before returning to settings where contacts are numerous, such as schools, daycares, and extracurricular activities. Some infectious diseases can spread easily from person to person, especially when they are in close contact. (2)

Children: Protection to Maintain Over the Years

The Quebec vaccination schedule includes different doses and certain boosters during childhood and adolescence. These vaccinations help protect children against several vaccine-preventable diseases. (3)

Take advantage of back-to-school time for a quick check: is your child up to date with their vaccines according to their age?

A school change, a new school year, or simply approaching adolescence can also be good times to verify that the vaccination record is complete.

What About Parents?

Vaccination isn’t just for children. Adults must also ensure their boosters are up to date to remain protected.

Some vaccines require booster doses in adulthood, while others may be recommended based on age, personal situation, or certain risk factors. (4)

Parents who are in daily contact with young children may also benefit from checking their own vaccination status. Good vaccine coverage within the family helps reduce the risk of transmission of certain diseases.

Adolescent Vaccination Should Not Be Forgotten

Between childhood and adulthood, certain vaccinations remain important. The Quebec schedule includes vaccinations and boosters during adolescence. (3)

Since medical appointments may become less frequent during this period, some families may lose track of doses that need to be administered.

Taking advantage of back-to-school time to check your adolescent’s vaccination record can therefore be a good way to avoid missing a recommended vaccination.

What If the Vaccination Record Is Incomplete?

Don’t worry. If you can no longer find your vaccination record or are uncertain about vaccines received, you can ask a healthcare professional for advice.

A record review can determine what information is available and whether certain vaccinations need to be updated. (1)

It’s best not to receive an extra dose simply because you don’t remember receiving a vaccine. A professional can assess the situation and determine the best way to proceed.

Why Check the Whole Family's Vaccination Records?

Taking a few minutes to check each family member’s records can help:

Back-to-school time is therefore an ideal moment to add this check to your to-do list, just like buying school supplies or preparing schedules.

A Good Habit to Adopt Every Year

Vaccination records deserve to be carefully preserved and updated over the years. By making it a habit to check them regularly, it becomes easier to follow recommendations and not forget necessary boosters.

Vaccination also evolves with age. The recommendations that apply to a child are not necessarily the same as those for an adolescent or an adult. (3)(4)

Ready to Review Your Vaccines?

Back to school is the ideal time for a family health checkup. By checking the vaccination records of your children, adolescents, and yourself, you can ensure that everyone benefits from the recommended protection according to their age and situation.

Do you have questions about your vaccines or those of your children? The team at Centre de vaccination AES can support you and help you review your vaccination record.